beginner
    (114)

    Double Rock (Futago-iwa) - Japan Diving

    22m Max
    15-30m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Double Rock (Futago-iwa) is a distinctive twin rock formation off the southern coast of Yonaguni Island featuring two prominent coral-covered pinnacles rising from twenty-two metres to five metres depth. The twin formations create a unique underwater landscape with a swim-through channel between the rocks at twelve metres depth providing exciting exploration opportunities. Both pinnacles are encrusted with healthy coral communities including staghorn thickets table corals and soft corals creating vibrant vertical gardens that shelter hundreds of tropical fish species. The swim-through channel is wide enough for comfortable passage while observing the coral colonisation on both walls. Green sea turtles regularly rest on the shallow ledges while schooling fish create constant movement in the water column between the rocks. The site's accessible depth range and gentle conditions make it one of Yonaguni's most popular sites for all certification levels. The twin formations provide excellent navigation references and the swim-through adds adventure without requiring advanced skills. The clear Yonaguni waters ensure good visibility allowing full appreciation of the unique geological formation and its marine life communities. The proximity to the main harbour ensures short boat rides making it convenient for multi-dive days. The clear Yonaguni waters ensure good visibility allowing full appreciation of the unique geological formation and its marine life communities throughout the dive profile. The proximity to the main harbour ensures short boat rides making it convenient for multi-dive days and an excellent choice for the first or last dive of a Yonaguni diving trip when time is limited.

    Dive Briefing

    "Descend on the mooring line to the upper section of the first pinnacle at ten metres and circumnavigate the rock observing the coral coverage. Swim through the channel between the two rocks at twelve metres depth observing the coral colonisation on both walls. Continue to the second pinnacle and circumnavigate at your planned depth before ascending along the mooring line for a safety stop at five metres. Continue to the second pinnacle and circumnavigate at your planned depth observing the different coral communities and marine life on each rock formation. The deeper sections at eighteen to twenty-two metres feature scattered bommies on sand with garden eels and stingrays. Ascend along the mooring line for a safety stop at five metres observing the shallow reef community and juvenile fish nurseries. Throughout the dive maintain awareness of your buddy position buoyancy control and depth gauge readings while observing the diverse marine communities and geological formations that make this site a rewarding destination for divers of all experience levels visiting the region during the optimal diving season."

    Signature Marine Life

    Clown anemonefish

    common

    Amphiprion ocellaris

    Best: January, February, March

    Green sea turtle

    common

    Chelonia mydas

    Best: March, April, May

    Humphead wrasse

    frequent

    Cheilinus undulatus

    Best: March, April, May

    Blue-spotted stingray

    common

    Taeniura lymma

    Best: January, February, March

    Giant moray eel

    common

    Gymnothorax javanicus

    Best: January, February, March

    Safety & Hazards

    • Strong Kuroshio Current influence creating unpredictable drift conditions on outer reef dives
    • Boat traffic from dive boats fishing vessels and glass-bottom tour boats in popular coastal areas
    • Seasonal typhoon activity from July through October requiring constant weather monitoring and trip flexibility
    • Venomous stonefish and sea snakes present on reefs requiring careful buoyancy and no-touch policies
    • Coral contact risk on shallow reef dives requiring excellent buoyancy control to protect fragile formations
    Nearest Chamber
    Okinawa Prefectural Nanbu Medical Center Hyperbaric Unit, Naha
    30km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Double Rock is suitable for all certification levels with accessible depth and gentle conditions. Beginners will enjoy the exciting swim-through and shallow coral exploration. The site is ideal for training dives and families with easy conditions and abundant marine life. Photographers will find excellent opportunities with the unique twin formation and diverse coral communities. The site is ideal for training dives and families with easy conditions and abundant marine life visible at comfortable depths. Photographers will find excellent opportunities with the unique twin formation providing dramatic framing and diverse coral communities supporting both wide-angle and macro photography subjects throughout the dive.

    reef
    japan

    Quick Stats

    Difficultybeginner
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentlight
    Water Temp22-28°C
    Best TimeMay - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Bluefield Yomitan
    • Diving Service Uminchu
    • Kerama Divers
    • Pirania Divers Okinawa
    • Sea Serpent Dive Center
    Pricing Guide
    $90 - $160
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm macro

    Best for: wide_angle

    Nearby Stay

    Hotel Yonaguni

    Yonaguni, Okinawa2km away

    Check Availability

    Divers Inn Yonaguni

    Yonaguni, Okinawa1km away

    Check Availability